[Travel] Joyful Trip to Japan in Autumn, 2016 (Day 4)

Let's begin my travelogue episode 4 (07 November 2016 – Monday) about my trip to Japan with my sister. On this day, like the whole day we're at Universal Studio Japan (USJ).

On the early morning, we're straight going to USJ by train and we're using ICOCA card. Actually, I quite surprised when I have to change train at Nishikujo Station to Universal-City Station; which is the train was designed with the charters of Universal Studio Japan. It's so cute.

We're arrived at Universal Studio Japan around 9 am. I saw so many people already queue for buying the entrance ticket and exchange the express pass at the counters. Some tips, I advise, if you have planned to go USJ, is better you buy the entrance ticket before you go to the USJ because the queues are so long even they open many counters.

Another tip is kindly double check the operation time before you go there because it's different on day by day. If you want to play in the USJ, it's better you buy the Express Pass so you do not need to wait in the long queue even on weekdays – like the day we are going there. The entrance ticket for the adult is JPY 7,400. P/S: Update Price for USJ (Adult) is JPY 7,600.

Universal Studio Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン), located in Osaka, is one of four Universal Studio theme parks, owned and operated by USJ Co., Ltd. The attractions are arranged in nine areas as of the park. A tenth area, The Wizarding World of Harry Poter, opened on July 15, 2014, with its flagship attraction, Harry Potter, and the Forbidden Journey. The area was modeled on the areas of the same names at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. There are also attractions that are not in the U.S. and are unique to Universal Studio Japan, such as Black Lake and Hogwarts Express Photo Op.

The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter is the most places I like in the USJ. As you know, I'm big fans of Harry Potter. These places are designed like in Harry Potter's movie. Sometimes, I feel like in Harry Potter's stories.

Before the towering, Hogwarts castle spreads Hogsmeade, a village where wizards reside, as well as ride attractions and many shops. In Honeydukes, you'll find the sweets from the Harry Potter stories like Bertie Bott's, Every-Flavour Beans, and Chocolate Frogs. Step inside the Ollivanders, a small dusty shop, and choose from a full array of wands, or purchase replicas of the Harry Potter film characters wand. It also has Zonko's Joke Shop, Quidditch Shop, Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods and more.

The most wanted drinks I would like to try when arrived at the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter are Butterbeer. The Butterbeer in the USJ is non-alcoholic drinks. It has two kinds type of drink that you can choose is hot or cold. The price is JPY 700 (with normal plastic cup) or JPY 1,200 (with mug – which is you can take away with you).

I was been so crazy when I at the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter, especially when I want to buy the some of Harry Potter souvenirs. This is some souvenirs I bought at the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter are Hermione Granger's wand (JPY 4,900), Harry Potter Hogwarts Notebook (JPY 2,800), Harry Potter Gryffindor Notebook (JPY 2,800), Harry Potter Feather Pen (JPY 2,200) and Harry Potter Every-Flavour Beans (JPY 1,800).

We're not really kind like to play roller coaster person so mostly we just enjoy our day at USJ for taking a lot of photos and join some shows. So we do not need to buy the Express Pass to play some of the hot games in USJ.

Before I forget, did you know the Happiness Cafe of Coca-Cola can make your name's of Coca-Cola on the bottle? Yes, they can make it and it's the limited edition too. You just need write your name and the date that you want to put at your own Coca-Cola bottle. The price is around JPY 500. Like you can see, we're make it.

As you know, the USJ offers tax-free services to visitors from overseas. The Tax Refund Counter is located in Studio Gift West. It applies to foreign tourists staying in Japan for less than six months. The tourists are required to present a valid passport. The confectionary and other consumable goods – Total amount = JPY 5,000 to JPY 500,000 (without tax). The souvenirs (not including confectionary) – Total amount = JPY 5,000 and higher (without tax).

Our next destination is Namba; which is our mission is to find Glico Man sign at Namba area. The Glico Man is the famous one of Osaka's landmark. The Dotobori or Dotombori (道頓堀) is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, Japan; running along the Dotonbori canal from Dotonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city's Chuo ward. It is now a popular nightlife and entertainment area characterized by its eccentric atmosphere and large illuminated signboards.

One of the area's most prominent features, a billboard for confectionery company Glico displaying the image of the runner crossing a finishing line, is seen as an icon of Osaka within Japan.

Did I always have fate with you, Jiyong? Even I holiday at Osaka, Japan I'll have to meet you? BTW I miss you so much.

We have taken dinner at Namba by eating the Takoyaki, before us going back to the hostel and start packing to our next destination on next day.